Robotics Engineer, Mobile Manipulation - NREC

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University’s National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) seeks a motivated roboticist to advance mobile manipulation systems for real-world applications in logistics, manufacturing, and defense. You will bridge research and production, implementing perception, planning, and control with production-quality code.

The role emphasizes hands-on development, system integration, and collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams, sponsors, and peers to push the boundaries of robotics

Qualifications

• B.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or equivalent experience; advanced degrees are a bonus.
• 1–3 years of graduate or professional software development experience.
• Experience with 3D perception (LiDAR, stereo vision, RGB-D, point cloud).
• Knowledge of kinematics, dynamics, and control of manipulators.
• Strong C++ skills and scripting experience for rapid prototyping.

Responsibilities

• Develop algorithms for perception-aided control of manipulators on mobile robots for real-world applications.
• Prototype in scripting languages and transition to production-quality code.
• Design, develop, test, and maintain software applications and integrated systems.
• Collaborate with sponsors for planning, reporting, and support.
• Follow team software development protocols including reviews, testing, and version control.
• Apply verification procedures and document software systems.

Skills

3D perception

C++

Python scripting

Linux development

Kinematics & control

Motion planning

Grasp planning

Technical communication

Team collaboration

Education

B.S. in Computer Science or related

Tools

ROS

OpenCV

PCL

Eigen

Boost

Gazebo

CUDA

Job description

At the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC), it is our engineers and technicians who drive the breakthroughs that define our success. Our technical staff collaborates closely with leadership and multidisciplinary teams to design, build, and deploy sophisticated robotic solutions that address complex challenges in industrial, commercial and government sectors. Each project benefits from their expertise, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving, fueling progress and innovation across the organization.

As part of our dedicated team, you will work alongside world-class robotics professionals committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and redefining ideas into solutions for real-world applications. We foster a culture of professionalism, respect, and collaboration, offering a flexible and encouraging environment where you can sharpen your skills, lead impactful projects, and take control of your career development.

We are seeking a motivated roboticist to help develop and deploy the next generation of mobile manipulation systems for real-world applications. You’ll bridge research and industry by transforming advanced robotic concepts into robust, production-ready technologies. The work emphasizes hands-on development, integration, and deployment of systems that combine perception, planning, and control to address impactful challenges in areas including logistics, manufacturing, and automated science. If you’re passionate about building real robots that make a measurable difference in the world, we’d love to hear from you.

Your primary responsibilities are:

• Developing algorithms for perception-aided control of manipulators on mobile robots for real world applications

• Prototyping in scripting languages

• Transitioning applications to deployment with production quality code

• Designing, developing, documenting, testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining software applications and integrated systems

• Interacting with sponsors for planning, application support, and reporting purposes

• Surveying literature and implementing innovative techniques to take on exciting problems

• Following protocols for team software development (peer reviews of designs and code, unit and system testing, version control, bug tracking, integrated documentation)

• Developing, documenting, and applying software system testing, troubleshooting, and verification procedures

• Collaboration with engineers with varied skills, including communication, co-design, and joint decision making

Required Qualifications:

• B.S. in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or equivalent experience (M.S. or PhD is a bonus).

• 1-3 years combined graduate academic and professional software development experience

• Experience with 3D perception (LiDAR, stereo vision, RGB-D, point cloud processing)

• Knowledge of kinematics, dynamics, and control of manipulators

• Strong background in at least one of

• Motion planning (MoveIt, OMPL, RRT*, etc.)

• Grasp/manipulation planning or whole-body control

• Strong C++ skills

• Experience with scripting languages for quick prototyping of computer vision applications (Python or Matlab preferred)

• Linux development experience

• Knowledge of basic software engineering principles

• Technical communication skill

• Demonstrated success collaborating alongside a multi-functional team

We especially want to hear from you if you have experience or qualifications in any of the following areas:

• Sensor and robot calibration (stereo, hand-eye, multi-modal)

• Visual sensing

• Robot navigation, field robotics

• Reinforcement learning, imitation learning, or foundation models for robotics

• Visual/inertial odometry, mapping, or SLAM

• Familiarity with Gazebo, Isaac Sim, or Mujoco for simulation

• Knowledge of real-time control

• Real-world deployment, systems engineering

• Embedded systems or real time application development

• C++ Libraries such as OpenCV, PCL, ROS, Boost, Eigen

• CUDA programming

Other Requirements:

Successful pre-employment background check

This position will require work on a variety of projects, including projects that involve military/defense applications and/or are funded by military/defense sponsors.

Are you interested in joining our versatile team at NREC where you will have a direct impact on operations and meaningful projects?

Join a collaborative environment where your hands-on skills, leadership, and mentorship will directly influence operations and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Why NREC? (https://www.nrec.ri.cmu.edu/careers/why-nrec/)

At NREC, you will shape the robotics revolution by tackling real-world challenges in agriculture, manufacturing, defense, energy, and much more. You will work alongside top robotics experts, develop ground breaking technologies, and see your solutions (https://www.nrec.ri.cmu.edu/solutions/) deployed in the field.

NREC at a Glance:

• Located in Pittsburgh or “Roboburgh”, a hub for over 120+ robotics companies

• 30+ years of pioneering robotics research

• 150+ professionals driving innovation and real-world impact

• Part of Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute , a global leader in robotics

NREC also leads in educational outreach through its Robotics Academy (https://www.cmu.edu/roboticsacademy/) , which develops curricula and software for K–12 and college-level students. You will also have opportunities to engage with these student groups through outreach activities.

As part of our team, you will have the flexibility to grow your career - whether becoming a technical expert, leading projects, mentoring others, or exploring new pathways and making an impact in developing technologies that drive progress, improve safety and transform industries.

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran .

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/eligibility/index.html) employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/health-welfare/index.html) as well as a generous retirement savings program (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/retirement-savings/index.html) with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/tuition/index.html) , take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/pto.html) and observed holidays (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/holidays.html) , and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/work-life/support/family-child-care-resources/index.html) to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access (https://athletics.cmu.edu/recreation/facilities) , and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/index.html) .

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Engineering, Research and Project Scientists

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon (http://www.cmu.edu/jobs/why-cmu/index.html) ” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

• Click here (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/benefits-at-a-glance/) to view a listing of employee benefits

• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran .

• Statement of Assurance (https://www.cmu.edu/policies/administrative-and-governance/statement-of-assurance.html)

Interested in a career with Carnegie Mellon University but not finding anything that currently aligns with your interests, background, or experience? Learn how to sign up for Job Alerts (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/system-guides/external-applicants/job-alerts.pdf) through your candidate profile.

If your heart is in your work, come work with us. Carnegie Mellon University isn’t just one of the world’s most renowned educational institutions – it’s also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet. When you join our staff, you’ll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all. No matter what your role or location, you’ll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues – and you’ll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters.

We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve. In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, you’ll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni.

The future is awaiting your expertise and intellect. Come join the architects of what’s next. Apply now.

Learn more about Student Employment (https://www.cmu.edu/sfs/student-employment/index.html) .

Please see Faculty Careers. (https://www.cmu.edu/faculty-office/faculty-recruitment/faculty-careers.html)

For technical assistance, email HR Services ([e-mail]) or call 412-268-4600.

If you are an individual with a disability and you require assistance with the job application process, please email Equal Opportunity Services ([e-mail]) or call 412-268-3930.

Prospective Employee Disclosures (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/disclosures/index.html)